Anaesthesia role in enhanced recovery after surgery: a revolution in care outcomes

Abstract

Purpose of review Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has revolutionized care outcomes. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of how ERAS changed healthcare outcomes. Recent findings Development of multidisciplinary evidence-based ERAS guidelines for specific surgical specialties and systematic implementation of these guidelines resulted in improved healthcare outcomes, reduction in length of stay, reduction in complications and improved survival. The value of audit of the outcomes is essential for implementation and to improve healthcare. Healthcare economics analysis related to the implementation of ERAS showed significant cost savings up to a return to investment ratio of more than seven. Summary ERAS has revolutionized healthcare by developing evidence-based ERAS guidelines and systematic implementation of these guidelines. Audit of outcomes is essential, not only to improve healthcare but also to significantly save healthcare expenditures.